US11745574B2 - Electric vehicle battery tray bracket - Google Patents

Electric vehicle battery tray bracket Download PDF

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Publication number
US11745574B2
US11745574B2 US17/225,271 US202117225271A US11745574B2 US 11745574 B2 US11745574 B2 US 11745574B2 US 202117225271 A US202117225271 A US 202117225271A US 11745574 B2 US11745574 B2 US 11745574B2
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United States
Prior art keywords
bracket
vehicle
electric vehicle
battery tray
subframe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US17/225,271
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English (en)
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US20220324312A1 (en
Inventor
Rodrigo Alberto Marginet
James Brian Goff
Anuj Deshpande
Ohster Zapata
Corey John Jarocki
Jeffrey A. Walesch
Patrick W. Bain
Felicia Paluzzi
Peter Simeon Lazarevski
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ford Global Technologies LLC filed Critical Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority to US17/225,271 priority Critical patent/US11745574B2/en
Assigned to FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC reassignment FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JAROCKI, COREY JOHN, LAZAREVSKI, PETER SIMEON, Goff, James Brian, PALUZZI, FELICIA, Marginet, Rodrigo Alberto, Bain, Patrick W., Deshpande, Anuj, WALESCH, JEFFREY A., Zapata, Ohster
Priority to CN202210296256.6A priority patent/CN115246304A/zh
Priority to DE102022107303.3A priority patent/DE102022107303A1/de
Publication of US20220324312A1 publication Critical patent/US20220324312A1/en
Priority to US18/361,003 priority patent/US20230364977A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US11745574B2 publication Critical patent/US11745574B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B60K1/04—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G7/00—Pivoted suspension arms; Accessories thereof
    • B60G7/02—Attaching arms to sprung part of vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G21/00—Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces
    • B60G21/005—Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces transversally
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
    • B62D21/02—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
    • B62D21/11—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted with resilient means for suspension, e.g. of wheels or engine; sub-frames for mounting engine or suspensions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
    • B62D21/15—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted having impact absorbing means, e.g. a frame designed to permanently or temporarily change shape or dimension upon impact with another body
    • B62D21/152—Front or rear frames
    • B62D21/155—Sub-frames or underguards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
    • B62D25/08—Front or rear portions
    • B62D25/082—Engine compartments
    • B62D25/085—Front-end modules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
    • B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
    • B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
    • B62D25/2009—Floors or bottom sub-units in connection with other superstructure subunits
    • B62D25/2018—Floors or bottom sub-units in connection with other superstructure subunits the subunits being front structures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/14—Mounting of suspension arms
    • B60G2204/143—Mounting of suspension arms on the vehicle body or chassis
    • B60G2204/1431—Mounting of suspension arms on the vehicle body or chassis of an L-shaped arm
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
    • B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
    • B60G2206/016—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs allowing controlled deformation during collision
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/50—Electric vehicles; Hybrid vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B60K1/04—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
    • B60K2001/0405—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion characterised by their position
    • B60K2001/0438—Arrangement under the floor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2306/00—Other features of vehicle sub-units
    • B60Y2306/01—Reducing damages in case of crash, e.g. by improving battery protection

Definitions

  • An electric vehicle includes a battery that powers the vehicle, including propulsion of the vehicle.
  • wheels of the vehicle are powered by one or more electric motors that are powered by the battery.
  • the battery is relatively large and heavy and, accordingly, the battery is typically packaged below the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
  • the battery may be subject to being shorted during certain vehicle impacts if loads are applied to the battery and/or if the cooling system used to cool the battery leaks coolant on the battery.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle having an electric-vehicle battery tray connected to both a rocker rail and a subframe with a bracket.
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a portion the electric vehicle having a bracket.
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a portion the electric vehicle having the bracket of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a portion the electric vehicle having the electric-vehicle battery tray connected to the rocker rail and the subframe with the bracket of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion the electric vehicle having the bracket of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a portion the electric vehicle having the bracket of FIG. 1 .
  • An electric vehicle includes an electric-vehicle battery tray including a frame member elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis.
  • the electric vehicle includes a rocker rail elongated along the vehicle-longitudinal axis.
  • the electric vehicle includes a subframe.
  • the electric vehicle includes a bracket connecting the battery tray, the rocker rail, and the subframe.
  • the electric vehicle may include an electric-vehicle battery supported by the battery tray.
  • the electric vehicle may include a wheel supported by the subframe vehicle-forward of the bracket.
  • the wheel may define a movement path during a vehicle impact, the movement path extends reward from the wheel, and the bracket includes a front surface that extends at an obtuse angle relative to the movement path.
  • the movement path may be defined by movement of the wheel during a small overlap rigid barrier crash test.
  • the bracket may be directly in front of the frame member along the vehicle-longitudinal axis.
  • the battery tray may include a second frame member elongated along a vehicle-lateral axis and fixed to the bracket.
  • the electric vehicle may include a second rocker rail spaced from the rocker rail with the battery tray disposed between the rocker rail and the second rocker rail, and a second bracket fixed to the battery tray, the second rocker rail, and the subframe.
  • the bracket may be unitary.
  • the bracket may be designed to distribute force from the subframe to both the rocker rail and the battery tray during a vehicle front impact.
  • the bracket may include a plurality of ribs defining openings therebetween.
  • the openings each have an open top and an open bottom.
  • the bracket may be fixed to the subframe at first attachment point and a second attachment point, to the battery tray at a third attachment point and a fourth attachment point, and to the rocker rail at a fifth attachment point and a sixth attachment point.
  • the bracket may include a first rib extending from the first attachment point to the third attachment point and a second rib extending from the second attachment point to the fourth attachment point.
  • the bracket may include a third rib extending from the first attachment point to the fifth attachment point and a fourth rib extending from the second attachment point to the sixth attachment point.
  • the bracket may include a fifth rib extending from the second rib to the third rib.
  • the bracket may include a first sub-bracket and a second sub-bracket, both fixed to the battery tray, the rocker rail, and the subframe.
  • the first sub-bracket may be fixed to the second sub-bracket about a perimeter of the bracket.
  • the bracket may include a flange extending downward away from the battery tray.
  • the electric vehicle may include a control arm and a control arm bracket supported by the subframe, the control arm bracket having a second flange extending downward away from the battery tray.
  • an electric vehicle 20 includes an electric-vehicle battery tray 22 that has a frame member 24 elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis A 1 .
  • the electric vehicle 20 includes a rocker rail 26 elongated along the vehicle-longitudinal axis A 1 .
  • the electric vehicle 20 includes a subframe 28 .
  • the electric vehicle 20 includes a bracket 30 , 30 ′ connecting the battery tray 22 , the rocker rail 26 , and the subframe 28 .
  • the bracket 30 , 30 ′ distributes force applied to the subframe 28 , e.g., during an offset front impact to the vehicle 20 , to the rocker rail 26 and the frame member 24 . Such force distribution may reduce deformation of the battery tray 22 .
  • relative orientations and directions are from the perspective of an occupant seated in a seat, facing a dashboard of the electric vehicle 20 .
  • the electric vehicle 20 may be any suitable type of automobile that generates propulsion from electric power, e.g., a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a passenger or commercial automobile such as a sedan, a coupe, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc.
  • BEV battery-electric vehicle
  • HEV hybrid-electric vehicle
  • PHEV plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
  • passenger or commercial automobile such as a sedan, a coupe, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc.
  • the electric vehicle 20 may be, for example, an autonomous vehicle.
  • the electric vehicle 20 may be autonomously operated such that the electric vehicle 20 may be driven without constant attention from a driver, i.e., the electric vehicle 20 may be self-driving without human input.
  • the electric vehicle 20 defines the longitudinal axis A 1 , e.g., extending between a front 32 and a rear 34 of the electric vehicle 20 .
  • the electric vehicle 20 defines a lateral axis A 2 , e.g., extending between a left side 36 and a right side 38 of the electric vehicle 20 .
  • the electric vehicle 20 defines a vertical axis A 3 , e.g., extending between a top 40 and a bottom 42 of the electric vehicle 20 .
  • the longitudinal axis A 1 , the lateral axis A 2 , and the vertical axis A 3 are perpendicular to each other.
  • the electric vehicle 20 includes a frame 44 that supports vehicle components and provides rigidity to the electric vehicle 20 .
  • the electric vehicle 20 may be of a unibody construction. In the unibody construction, components of the frame 44 and a body of the electric vehicle 20 , e.g., rocker rails 26 , a floor, a pillars, etc., serve as the frame 44 .
  • the frame 44 may be formed of any suitable material, for example, steel, aluminum, and/or fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.
  • the electric vehicle 20 may include wheel wells 46 that house wheels 48 .
  • the wheel wells 46 may have an arch shape that is open on an outboard side and enclosed on an inboard side. Two wheel wells 46 may be on each of the right side 38 and the left side 36 of the vehicle 20 , e.g., with one at the front 32 and one at the rear 34 of each side 36 , 38 .
  • the rocker rails 26 provide rigidity at the right side 38 and the left side 36 of the electric vehicle 20 and support other vehicle components, such as doors in closed positions.
  • the rocker rails 26 may be the lowest portion of the sides 36 , 38 of the vehicle 20 .
  • the rocker rails 26 are elongated along the longitudinal axis A 1 .
  • the rocker rails 26 are spaced from each other along the lateral axis A 2 .
  • One rocker rail 26 may extend between the wheel wells 46 of each side 36 , 38 of the vehicle 20 , e.g., along the vehicle-longitudinal axis A 1 .
  • An electric-vehicle battery 50 powers propulsion of the electric vehicle 20 , e.g., powers a drivetrain motor.
  • the electric-vehicle battery 50 may be of any suitable type for vehicular electrification, for example, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, ultracapacitors, etc.
  • the electric-vehicle battery 50 may include at least one battery module. Each battery module may include one or more battery cells.
  • the electric-vehicle battery 50 may include any suitable hardware, e.g., wiring, connectors, circuits, etc., connecting the battery modules to each other and to electrified components of the electric vehicle 20 .
  • the battery tray 22 supports the electric-vehicle battery 50 on the frame 44 .
  • the battery tray 22 may include a compartment that receives the battery modules.
  • the battery tray 22 may be disposed between the rocker rails 26 along the lateral axis A 2 .
  • the battery tray 22 may be fixed to the frame 44 , e.g., to the rocker rails 26 , the floor, etc.
  • the battery tray 22 includes first frame members 24 elongated along the longitudinal axis A 1 .
  • the first frame members 24 may be spaced from each other along the lateral axis A 2 , e.g., with the compartment therebetween.
  • the battery tray 22 may include second frame members 52 elongated along the lateral axis A 2 .
  • the second frame members 52 may be spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis A 1 , e.g., with the compartment therebetween.
  • the battery tray 22 may include panels that, e.g., a bottom panel 54 , a top panel (not shown in the figures that enclose the electric-vehicle battery 50 . The panels may prevent intrusion of precipitation and dirt to the electric-vehicle battery 50 .
  • the top panel may separate the electric-vehicle battery 50 from components of the electric vehicle 20 above the battery tray 22 , e.g., a passenger compartment.
  • the first frame members 24 , the second frame members 52 , and the panels may be fixed to each other, the rocker rails 26 , the floor, and/or any other suitable structure of the frame 44 .
  • the subframe 28 supports vehicle components, e.g., steering components, suspension components, etc.
  • the subframe 28 may include beams, panels, etc.
  • the subframe 28 may be metal or any material of sufficient strength and rigidity.
  • the subframe 28 is a discrete, separate structure from the frame 44 .
  • the subframe 28 is connected to the frame 44 .
  • the subframe 28 may be welded to the frame 44 , bolted to the frame 44 , fixed to the frame 44 fastener, etc.
  • One or more dampeners e.g., rubber bushings, springs, etc., may be disposed between the frame 44 and the subframe 28 .
  • the subframe 28 is forward of the battery tray 22 .
  • the subframe 28 may be at the front 32 of the vehicle 20 .
  • the vehicle 20 may include control arms 56 that support the wheels 48 at the front 32 of the vehicle 20 .
  • the control arms 56 provide a hinged suspension link between the wheels 48 at the front 32 of the vehicle 20 and, for example, the subframe 28 .
  • the control arm 56 may be supported by the subframe 28 , e.g., at the right side 38 and the left side 36 .
  • a control arm bracket 58 may be fixed to the subframe 28 at a pivot point where the control arm 56 connects to the subframe 28 .
  • the control arm bracket 58 includes a control arm flange 60 that deflects debris, e.g., gravel from a road surface, away from the battery tray 22 .
  • the control arm flange 60 extends downward away from the battery tray 22 , e.g., along the vertical axis A 3 to a distal edge 62 .
  • the distal edge 62 of the control arm flange 60 is lower than the battery tray 22 .
  • the control arm flange 60 may be elongated along the lateral axis A 2 , i.e., longer along the lateral axis A 2 than along the longitudinal axis A 1 and the vertical axis A 3 .
  • the movement path P is a predicted trajectory of the wheel 48 during a vehicle impact to the front 32 of the vehicle 20 .
  • Deformation of, and movement interference from, certain vehicle components, e.g., the control arms 56 , suspension components, and/or steering components, control movement of the wheel 48 during the vehicle impact shape the movement path P.
  • the movement path P extends reward from the wheel 48 , e.g., toward the rocker rail 26 and the battery tray 22 along the longitudinal axis A 1 .
  • the movement path P may extend diagonally inward along the lateral axis A 2 , i.e., toward a center of the vehicle 20 along the lateral axis A 2 .
  • the movement path P may be defined by movement of the wheel 48 during a small overlap rigid barrier (SORB) crash test.
  • SORB small overlap rigid barrier
  • the vehicle 20 may be subject to a SORB crash test in conformity with Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards, and movement of the wheel 48 during such test may provide the movement path P.
  • IIHS Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
  • the bracket 30 , 30 ′ is designed to distribute force from the subframe 28 to both the rocker rail 26 and the battery tray 22 during a vehicle 20 front 32 impact.
  • the vehicle 20 front 32 impact may apply force to the subframe 28 .
  • the brackets 30 , 30 ′ receive such force and direct the force to the rocker rails 26 and the battery tray 22 , e.g., to the first frame members 24 .
  • the distribution of force from the subframe 28 to the rocker rails 26 and first frame members 24 reduces deformation of the compartment housing the electric-vehicle battery 50 .
  • the brackets 30 , 30 ′ connect the battery tray 22 , the subframe 28 , and the rocker rails 26 .
  • One bracket 30 , 30 ′ connects, e.g., is fixed to, the battery tray 22 , the subframe 28 , and the rocker rail 26 at the right side 38 of the vehicle 20 .
  • Another bracket 30 , 30 ′ connects, e.g., is fixed to, the battery tray 22 , the subframe 28 , and the rocker rail 26 at the left side 36 of the vehicle 20 .
  • the brackets 30 , 30 ′ may be directly in front of the first frame members 24 along the longitudinal axis A 1 .
  • bracket 30 , 30 ′ may be forward of the first frame members 24 and at common positions along the lateral axis A 2 as the first frame members 24 .
  • One bracket 30 , 30 ′ may be directly in front 32 of the first frame member 24 at the right side 38 and another bracket 30 , 30 ′ may be directly in front 32 of the first frame member 24 at the left side 36 .
  • the bracket 30 , 30 ′ may be designed to inhibit the wheels 48 at the front 32 of the vehicle 20 from embedding into the wheel wells 46 , e.g., during a SORB crash test.
  • the bracket 30 , 30 ′ may include a front surface 64 designed to urge the wheel 48 traveling long the movement path P outward from the wheel well 46 .
  • the front surface 64 extends at an obtuse angle ⁇ relative to the movement path P, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 .
  • the obtuse angle ⁇ is measured outboard of the movement path P and in a plane extending along the longitudinal axis A 1 and the lateral axis A 2 .
  • the front surface 64 may define a normal vector that is transverse to, and extends outboard of, the movement path P.
  • the bracket 30 , 30 ′ may be unitary, i.e., a single component that is not disassemble into smaller separate components with destructive processes.
  • the bracket 30 may be monolithic, i.e., a single, uniform piece of material with no seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives and/or formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit, e.g., by machining from a common blank, molding, forging, casting, 3-D printing, etc.
  • the bracket 30 ′ may include component that are permanently fused together, e.g., via welding or the like.
  • Non-unitary components in contrast, are formed separately and subsequently assembled, e.g., by threaded engagement, fastener, etc.
  • Non-unitary components may be disassembly without destructive processes, e.g., via unthreading a fastener.
  • the wheels 48 at the front 32 of the vehicle 20 are supported by the subframe 28 forward of the respective brackets 30 , 30 ′ at the right side 38 and the left side 36 , e.g., via the control arms 56 and/or other structure.
  • crash forces may urge the wheel 48 at the right side 38 or the left side 36 along the movement path P toward the bracket 30 , 30 ′.
  • Normal forces between the front surface 64 of the bracket 30 , 30 ′ and the wheel 48 may urge the wheel 48 outboard of the vehicle 20 and away from the wheel well 46 , e.g., inhibiting the wheel 48 at the front 32 of the vehicle 20 from embedding into the wheel well 46 .
  • the brackets 30 may be fixed to the subframe 28 at first attachment point 66 and a second attachment point 68 , to the battery tray 22 at a third attachment point 70 and a fourth attachment point 72 , and to the respective rocker rail 26 at a fifth attachment point 74 and a sixth attachment point 76 .
  • a bolt or other suitable fastener may fix the brackets 30 , 30 ′ to the subframe 28 , rocker rails 26 , and battery tray 22 at each of the attachment points 66 , 68 , 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 .
  • Each of the brackets 30 may include a first rib 78 extending from the first attachment point 66 to the third attachment point 70 and a second rib 80 extending from the second attachment point 68 to the fourth attachment point 72 .
  • the first rib 78 and the second rib 80 distribute force from the subframe 28 to the battery tray 22 .
  • Each of the brackets 30 may include a third rib 82 extending from the first attachment point 66 to the fifth attachment point 74 and a fourth rib 84 extending from the second attachment point 68 to the sixth attachment point 76 .
  • the third rib 82 and the fourth rib 84 distribute force from the subframe 28 to the respective rocker rail 26 .
  • Each bracket 30 may include a fifth rib 86 extending from the second rib 80 to the third rib 82 .
  • the fifth rib 86 reinforces, and distributes force between, the second rib 80 and the third rib 82 .
  • Each bracket 30 may include a plurality of cross ribs 88 extending between the first rib 78 and the second rib 80 and between the third rib 82 and the fourth rib 84 .
  • the cross ribs 88 reinforce, and distribute force between, the first rib 78 and the second rib 80 , and the third rib 82 and the fourth rib 84 .
  • the ribs 78 , 80 , 82 , 84 , 86 , 88 define openings 90 therebetween.
  • the openings 90 may each have an open top and an open bottom. In other words, the openings 90 may extend completely through the bracket 30 , 30 ′ along the vertical axis A 3 .
  • the bracket 30 may be monolithic, e.g., the ribs 78 , 80 , 82 , 84 , 86 , 88 may be a single, uniform piece of material with no seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives and/or formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit.
  • each of the brackets 30 ′ may include a first sub-bracket 92 and a second sub-bracket 94 , both fixed to the battery tray 22 , the respective rocker rail 26 , and the subframe 28 .
  • the first sub-bracket 92 of the bracket 30 ′ on the right side 38 is fixed to the battery tray 22
  • the rocker rail 26 on the right side 38 and the subframe 28
  • the second sub-bracket 94 of the bracket 30 ′ on the right side 38 is fixed to the battery tray 22 , the rocker rail 26 on the right side 38 , and the subframe 28 .
  • the first sub-bracket 92 and the second sub-bracket 94 of each bracket 30 ′ may be fixed to the battery tray 22 , the respective rocker rail 26 , and the subframe 28 with common fasteners.
  • a bolt may extend though both the first sub-bracket 92 and the second sub-bracket 94 to fix the bracket 30 ′ to the subframe 28 , or other component.
  • the first sub-bracket 92 and the second sub-bracket 94 may be stacked on top 40 of each other, e.g., with the second sub-bracket 94 above the first sub-bracket 92 and between the subframe 28 and the first sub-bracket 92 .
  • the first sub-bracket 92 may be fixed to the second sub-bracket 94 about a perimeter of the bracket 30 ′.
  • a weld 96 may fix the first sub-bracket 92 to the second sub-bracket 94 , surrounding an outer surface of the first sub-bracket 92 and the second sub-bracket 94 .
  • the weld 96 may extend along the longitudinal axis A 1 and the lateral axis A 2 .
  • the brackets 30 ′ may include a flange 98 that deflects debris, e.g., gravel from a road surface, away from the battery tray 22 .
  • the first sub-bracket 92 may include the flange 98
  • the flange 98 extends downward away from the battery tray 22 , e.g., along the vertical axis A 3 to a distal edge 100 .
  • the distal edge 100 of the flange 98 is lower than the battery tray 22 .
  • the flange 98 may be elongated along the lateral axis A 2 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
US17/225,271 2021-04-08 2021-04-08 Electric vehicle battery tray bracket Active 2041-08-18 US11745574B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/225,271 US11745574B2 (en) 2021-04-08 2021-04-08 Electric vehicle battery tray bracket
CN202210296256.6A CN115246304A (zh) 2021-04-08 2022-03-24 电动车辆电池托盘支架
DE102022107303.3A DE102022107303A1 (de) 2021-04-08 2022-03-28 Batterieträgerhalterung für ein elektrofahrzeug
US18/361,003 US20230364977A1 (en) 2021-04-08 2023-07-28 Electric vehicle battery tray bracket

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US11850931B2 (en) * 2021-03-17 2023-12-26 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle frames for battery powered electric vehicles

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US8708401B2 (en) 2012-03-22 2014-04-29 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Crash brace for energy management
US9937781B1 (en) * 2016-12-19 2018-04-10 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Battery pack mounting architecture with shear plate for electric drive motor vehicles
CN209126810U (zh) 2018-11-20 2019-07-19 上汽通用汽车有限公司 汽车前纵梁结构以及包括其的汽车
US20200130495A1 (en) 2018-10-30 2020-04-30 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle front portion structure

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US5070830A (en) * 1990-07-17 1991-12-10 Saturn Corporation Powertrain and stiffening bracket therefor
US8708401B2 (en) 2012-03-22 2014-04-29 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Crash brace for energy management
US9937781B1 (en) * 2016-12-19 2018-04-10 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Battery pack mounting architecture with shear plate for electric drive motor vehicles
US20200130495A1 (en) 2018-10-30 2020-04-30 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle front portion structure
CN209126810U (zh) 2018-11-20 2019-07-19 上汽通用汽车有限公司 汽车前纵梁结构以及包括其的汽车

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